During the event, Mr Cameron also compared himself to a company that unblocks drains.

He said: "If there are things that are stopping you from doing more, think of me as a giant Dyno-Rod."

Voters quickly took to Twitter to deride the PM following his remarks.

One wrote: "So it's official then. The PM's gone mad."

Another added: "David Cameron appears to have lost the plot."

And one tweeted with hope: "As far as I recall Jesus wasn't a fan of the tax collector."

The PM said people should think of him as a giant Dyno-rod [PA]

Mr Cameron's call for a Big Society mystified most of the country when he first presented the policy, with some political commentators believing its muddled message cost the Tories a majority at the last general election.

The PM has since attempted to further define his vision, which attempts to give power back to local communities by encouraging residents to take an active role in the goings-on of their area.

Last night's reception at Number 10 came after a nightmare day for the Tory leader, after Culture Secretary Maria Miller resigned from her post following a row over her expenses claims.

Mr Cameron had repeatedly backed his embattled minister and was attacked by Labour leader Ed Miliband for not firing her before she resigned.

Acknowledging the events of the day, he said: "The Bible tells us to bear one another’s burdens.

"After the day I’ve had, I’m definitely looking for volunteers."

However, the PM was said to have no comment on a singer’s choice of hymn: “Ave Maria”.